Silat and Healing

There is an old saying, "you don't choose silat, silat chooses you". It was once considered an honour to be chosen to learn the art of Silat. Silat is the art of the warrior, the art of war. But silat is also the art of Peace, and a means of self-healing as well.

An art of war that heals? Sounds pretty far-fetched? Well, not really! If you have been following my previous articles on silat, you may have noticed that I said, "silat is able to educate its practitioner to become a better person, be it physically, mentally and spiritually". It is this "education" that I wish to address in this article.

How does silat heal? We currently live in a stressful world. Our mind, body and spirit are constantly under pressure to keep up with the times. Financial problems, relationship matters, studies... All of these tax the body, mind and spirit. We need to "let off some steam" once in a while.

The practice of silat is not only physical exercise, but it is a spiritual one as well. As one trains the body, the mind and the spirit follows as well. This is not unlike the practice of solat, the daily prayer routine of Muslims. In solat, one needs to maintain the body, mind and soul or spirit in synch. The same is true for silat. To practice silat totally physically without involving the mind and spirit is like doing something without a purpose or goal. Like eating just for the sake of eating. 

By properly observing the Way of Silat, one should gain a healthy body, a sound mind and a healthy spirit. The physical act of performing the silat moves in the "tari silat" or silat dance act as a form of muscular stretching and conditioning to keep the muscles and joints flexible. The more combative form of silat moves help with agility, concentration and coordination. 

As we practice these moves with purpose, the mind will focus on what the body is trying to achieve - form, precision, power, etc. When the body and mind synchronize, the spirit will be recharged. This is how silat "heals" its practitioner. When all three elements are in a balance, automatically other ailments will disappear, leaving a healthy body, a sound mind and a strong spirit.

May Peace be with us all. This is the Way.

*Photo credit Prof Hasnul Jamal Saidon

Silat and Patience

In my previous articles, I've stated that silat is able to educate its practitioner to become a better person, be it physically, mentally and spiritually. Through physical training and understanding the art itself, one can cultivate noble values - honour, virtue, integrity, patience... The ability to remain calm and composed in times of danger. The capability to think straight and act accordingly on the fly. This is what silat training is about.

A silat warrior should never lose their patience, but do not take this as a sign of weakness or inactivity. A true warrior calculates every move before the move is made. They anticipate the reaction of the enemy, they "read" their opponent. This is where the 100-1 principle sets in. Nonetheless, there is still the "1". When faced with this alternative, the silat warrior will go all the way, no holds barred. To them, it is either victory or martyrdom. 

Of late, we have been presented with multiple accounts of racial and religious provocation in Malaysia. I'd hate to recount the events that took place half a decade ago on May 13th... This was when the Malays were pushed beyond the limits of their tolerance and patience. 100 ways have been exhausted, leaving but 1 option. Believe me, nobody wants that course of action, but if push comes to shove, the silat warrior will not stand by just watching things unfold.

Even during the time of the Prophet Muhammad PBUH, there was a time when it was necessary for a call to arms. It was when your honour, your families, your livelihood and your religion has been mocked and defiled. Your King dishonoured and spat at. No silat warrior would just let this be. The consequences will be very dire indeed. As such, I urge all parties to stop this nonsensical provocation of race and religion. It leads to nowhere but pain and suffering. Malaysia has been at peace for many years. Let's keep it that way.